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Hibernian's Europa chances take a hit in Malmo

Hibernian are on the back foot following their first leg Europa League second round qualifier with Malmo on Thursday night.

Hibs were beaten 2-0 by the Swedish Allsvenskan leaders meaning they will have to score at least two goals and hope to concede none at Easter Road next week to be any chance of progressing.

Jiloan Hamad edged Malmo ahead in the 11th minute with a quality free-kick after Hib skipper James McPake had been penalised for a tug on Tokelo Rantie before Magnus Eriksson double the advantage two minutes later by slotting home Emil Forsberg's cross.

Despite the defeat, Hibs boss Pat Fenlon was maintaining hope for his side ahead of the return leg in Leith.

"It was a hard game for us. They are a decent side. In fitness and sharpness, they are a mile ahead of us," he told BBC Scotland.

"But we will be hoping that we can pack [Easter Road] out and get the supporters behind us. We had a great travelling crowd with us tonight.

"We need to score the first goal and get the place rocking. I've seen it before, that can change the mind-set of everybody. If we can nick the first goal then we will be well in the game."